Abstract LB-399: Chronic inhibition of mutant EGFR in NSCLC leads to EGFR TKI resistance by TGF-β1 mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition

Abstract In NSCLC, activating EGFR mutations underlie responsiveness of NSCLCs to reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including gefitinib and erlotinib. Despite initial responses, acquired resistance invariably develops, mediated by the emergence of the secondary T790M mutation and by focal amplification of MET, in approximately 50% and 30% of patients, respectively. The resistance mechanisms for the remaining 20% of cases remain elusive. EGFR TKI-sensitive HCC827 cells were exposed to graded concentrations of erlotinib for 6 months. Approximately 70% of the isolated clones were resistant to erlotinib and harbored MET amplification, and were sensitive to dual EGFR/MET inhibit…